Liberty Alarm Permit Ordinance

LIBERTY, November 2, 2009 - The City of Liberty now has a city ordinance for alarm permits. While it was enacted over a year ago, the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and a change in police department administration stalled the implementation of the new ordinance. But as of December 1, 2009, alarm systems within the city limits of Liberty must now have an alarm system permit. The application fee for an alarm permit is $25.00 per year.

In addition to permits, the city ordinance also covers operation and maintenance of alarm systems, permit denial and revocation process, appeals process, and fees and penalties. After December 1st, there is a fee of $100 for police or fire department response to an alarm without a valid permit. That fee can be waived if the person or business responsible for the alarm obtains a permit within 10 business days of the initial alarm call. Non-payment of fees or failure to comply with the provisions of the alarm permit ordinance is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a Municipal Court fine of up to $500.

The city’s alarm ordinance also covers false alarms. The police department notes that well over 90% of alarm calls are false, resulting in a disproportionate use of patrol resources. Outdoor “noisemaking” alarms are included in the ordinance. Under the new ordinance, if an alarm system has more than 5 false alarms in a twelve month period, the fee is $50. False alarms do not include accidental triggering by severe weather, power outages, or installation and repair testing.

All of the information on the new alarm ordinance, and a downloadable application, can be found on the City’s website at cityofliberty.org. Click on the City Services tab, then Police, for alarm permit information. Applications can also be obtained at Liberty City Hall.